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We have recently put Pear, Chia and Cinnamon Smoothies on our menu for the health conscious. It has been extremely popular with our guests. Read this BLOG post for the recipe

We like to make sure there are always some healthy options on our menu.

Some awesome reasons to add Chia Seeds to your diet.

Chia seeds are rich in polyunsaturated fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids. Chia seeds' lipid profile is composed of 60 % omega-3s, making them one of the richest plant-based sources of these fatty acids -- and can help reduce inflammation, improve rational performance and reduce high cholesterol. Chia has eight times more Omega 3 than salmon!

It is super high in dietary fibre, with 10 grams in only 2 tablespoons which is one-third of the daily recommended intake of fibre per day, making it great for digestion and healing digestion issues. Fibre is associated with reducing inflammation, lowering cholesterol and regulating bowel function. When chia is mixed with liquid they will form a jelly-like paste, and act as a gentle "sweep" through the intestines. A great way to get things moving so to speak.

It boasts 20% protein with all 8 essential amino acids

Chia seeds are rich in antioxidants that help protect the body from free radicals, aging and cancer. The high antioxidant concentration gives them a long shelf life. They last nearly two years without refrigeration.

Two tablespoons of chia seeds contain 18% of the daily recommended intake for calcium, 35 % for phosphorus, 24% for magnesium and about 50 % for manganese. These nutrients help you prevent hypertension and maintain a healthy weight, and are important for energy metabolism and a part of DNA synthesis. Chia contains five times more calcium than milk, seven times more vitamin C than oranges, three times more iron than spinach, and twice the potassium content of banana.

Satiety is the feeling of being full and satisfied, which helps lower food cravings between meals. The combination of protein, fibre and the gelling action of chia seeds when mixed with liquids all contribute to their satiating effects.

Chia seeds contain no gluten or grains. Therefore, all of the nutritional benefits of chia seeds can be obtained on a gluten-free diet.

The outer layer of chia seeds swells when mixed with liquids to form a gel. This can used in place of eggs to lower cholesterol and increase the nutrient content of foods and baked goods. To make the egg replacement, mix 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let sit for 15 minutes.

Unlike flaxseeds, which are also high in omega-3 fatty acids, fibre and minerals, chia seeds do not need to be ground in order to obtain their nutrient or egg- replacement benefits.

It has a positive impact balancing blood glucose levels (making it awesome for diabetics). It can reduce insulin resistance and decrease abnormally high levels of insulin in the blood

Chia makes a great egg replacement. Just combine with water to form a gel, and add it to recipes that call for egg.

Stay tuned for more chia breakfast receipes. Have seen a lot of recipes for bread with Chia seeds.